By Mike Ball
Cincinnati Enquirer

Thumbs up

1. Michael Shumacher. The six-time Formula One champion has been so dominant this season - winning the first four races of the season - that the organization voted in sweeping changes aimed at curbing his Ferrari team's spending. They won't take be implemented until 2006, however.

2. Tony Parker. How cool is it that the Showtime Lakers and their four future Hall of Famers were knocked back on their heels by a Belgian-born, French-raised 21-year-old point guard?

3. The Atlantic Coast Conference. If there were any doubts about why huge, two-division conferences are all the rage, the ACC's new television deal should dispel them. The ACC, with new members Miami, Virginia Tech and next year Boston College, is about to sign a seven-year, $258 million contract with ABC, a 58 percent increase.

4. Major League Baseball. April's attendance was up 15 percent, averaging 29,363 fans, the highest averaged since detailed data were first recorded in 1980.

Thumbs down

1. Major League Baseball. Their continued feet-dragging with the Montreal Expos continues to be an embarrassment. The crowds in Puerto Rico were down, and the Expos drew 4,001 for their game Tuesday - less than 11 minor league teams that night, including the Dayton Dragons.

2. The Reds. They apparently needed the Yalta Conference to decide that Jimmy Haynes and his 9.60 ERA should be moved to the bullpen.

3. College basketball. All five members of the All-USA Today basketball team, including Indiana and Duke's top recruits, have declared for the NBA draft.

4. College basketball, cont. Oklahoma State coach Eddie Sutton put on a Father Flanagan spin when he offered a scholarship to JamesOn Curry, a recruit spurned by North Carolina after he pleaded guilty to six felony drug counts last month. Curry, by the way, just happens to be the all-time leading scorer in North Carolina history.